Brick by Brick: LEGO Shipbuilding at HRNM

A father works with his son at HRNM's 2012 LEGO Shipbuilding program.

Calling all ship builders!  Bring your LEGO ships to the Hampton Roads Naval Museum on Saturday, February 2, 2013. In the spirit of creativity in an age of ever-increasing scientific and technological importance, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum is holding a FREE program about building ships with LEGOs on Saturday, February 2, from 10am to 5pm.

HRNM staff would like people to bring their already-built LEGO ships (made from a kit or from scratch) to display at the museum for the day. At 2pm on February 2, HRNM will hold a ship contest. Prizes will be given to the winners of the best adult-built ship and best child-built ships brought in before 2pm. There will be four age categories, three for children and one for adults (17+). The first and second place ships in each category will win prizes.

Don’t have a ship made already? Never fear! HRNM will set up a ship-building station during the event, where anyone can build their own ships to enter into the contest or create one from HRNM’s own diagrams. All of HRNM’s new ship designs are based on real ship models in the museum gallery. Participants will learn the science behind building ships while using LEGOs. Have fun showcasing your talent while connecting with enthusiasts in the Hampton Roads community!   

LEGO Shipbuilding's 2012 adult winner at HRNM.

Several activities will accompany the event, so be sure to bring your creativity to the Naval Museum. This program is for both children and adults--and don't forget that it's completely free of charge. If you can’t make it to the event, you can set up a time to drop off your LEGO ship prior to February 2. Prior to the event, you can also check out last year's ship model designs on our website.

For all questions and inquiries, please contact Laura Orr at laura.l.orr@navy.mil or 757-322-3108, or visit HRNM’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/HRNavalMuseum. The event is in coordination with the Civil War Navy Sesquicentennial, an official U.S. Navy Commemoration, and in partnership with the Hampton Roads Lego User Group (HARDLUG) and Bricks 4 Kidz.